Cost vs Quality, Longevity and Durability
At Bulldog Detail we are no strangers to the maintenance headaches caused by weather and other outside elements. We’re also familiar with the varying expectations of motorists and realize every car owner’s needs are different depending on an array of factors. Whether cost isn’t an object, your car is on the older side or you’re looking for the longest lasting vehicle protectant, we have a solution for you.
Here in the greater Phoenix/Scottsdale area, one of the biggest factors to consider during the months of June, July, August and September is crucial and of the utmost importance: the sun.
Car Wax
Car wax is definitely the cheapest option for protecting your car’s exterior, and it is also the protectant that can be most easily applied or removed. The biggest disadvantage of car wax versus other options is how frequently it must be applied and its low melting point, which is particularly problematic in high-heat environments like Scottsdale and Phoenix.
Ideally, wax should be applied to vehicles between a window of 55-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Wax applied when the temperature is too high will dry too quickly, making it harder to remove or buff. Maintaining wax coats in the summer months (particularly on your own) could prove difficult.
Another tick in the car wax con column is its texture, which is more likely to attract debris. Your car or truck may be protected, but debris will be visible, resulting in a dirty appearance soon after application and between washes. Wax’s ability to harbor debris could be problematic in the midst of the current monsoon and haboob season.
Paint Sealant
Car paint sealant, more commonly referred to as sealant to those in the car world, is another paint protection option for your car, truck or SUV. Sealants are liquid coats made up of resin and other synthetics that bond tightly with the clear coat on your vehicle for a tighter layer of protection. Sealant increases the durability and lifespan of your car’s paint/exterior and offers some protection against chemicals, abrasion and degradation from UV rays.
Sealants can be applied by machine or as a spray. There are even some at-home kits of varying levels of quality floating around online for purchase.
Although sealants are great for your vehicle’s painted exterior, it can quickly stain other surfaces such as vinyl, plastic and fabrics. Owners seeking to apply their own sealant should exercise caution and avoid getting it on potentially vulnerable parts of their car, truck or SUV. Before using, make sure to read the directions carefully and take note of warnings.
Like most things, you get what you pay for—and at Bulldog Detail you are paying for our precision, expertise and the professional-grade exterior protection products we utilize.
Ceramic Coating
Ceramic coating is the most expensive protection for shielding your car’s paint and exterior from outside forces, but it is also the most comprehensive of all your options. It also lasts the longest by far.
Wax should be reapplied every three months, at a minimum. Depending on who you ask, a quality paint sealant will last between three and six months. A properly cared for ceramic coating will last two to five years.
When you compare the cost (and time) of 20 applications of wax or 10 of sealant, the one-time cost of a ceramic coating doesn’t seem quite so intimidating.
Ceramic coatings protect against:
- UV radiation
- Weather erosion
- Hard water
- Bird droppings
- Common road chemicals and pollutants
- Tree sap and pollen
- Light scratches and marring
- Overspray
- Industrial fallout
Ceramic coatings are liquid paint protectant coats made of nano-ceramic polymers. The major thing to keep in mind in terms of application is that ceramic coatings bond extremely fast and adhere at maximum levels, which makes professional application necessary.
Removal is extremely difficult if improperly applied, so don’t try this one at home folks—unless you are prepared for a costly clean-up. If mistakes are avoided, the benefits of ceramic coating’s tight molecular bond and high contact angle outweigh any negatives. Namely, it creates a hydrophobic effect and causes your vehicle to repel water.
Ceramic coatings can be applied on matte and satin paint finishes as well as clear bra and vinyl.
Why Should You Contact Bulldog Detail for Your Ceramic Coating?
We are an Arizona-based company with an experienced detailing team, and we value quality of work above all else. Continue browsing our website for a full list of services or give us a call at 602.653.3935 to schedule a detailing appointment.